Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is defined by strict orderliness, control, and perfectionism. Someone with OCPD will likely try to stay in charge of the smallest details of their life, even at the expense of their flexibility and openness to new experiences. Show
OCPD is a personality disorder, which means it involves personality traits that are stable, long-held, atypical, and problematic in some way. In the case of OCPD, people with this condition may find it hard to relate to others, and their devotion to perfectionism and rigid control can make it difficult to function. Other personality disorders in this category include narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. OCPD is not the same as
narcissism, however. People with OCPD dwell on doing things perfectly, while people with narcissistic personality disorder have an exaggerated sense of grandeur and believe they should receive constant praise and attention. This article discusses the symptoms of OCPD and how to distinguish between OCPD vs. OCD. It also covers how OCPD is diagnosed, what causes it, and how it is treated. Symptoms of OCPDThe primary symptoms of OCPD focus on an obsession with perfectionism and a need for control. Someone with OCPD may experience symptoms like:
At first glance, OCPD may seem similar to an anal personality type. While someone with an anal personality might share some of these traits, like perfectionism, orderliness, and a need to be in control of their environment, having these quirks isn't the same thing as having a personality disorder. Diagnosis of OCPDThere is no specific test that can determine if a person has OCPD. In order to make a diagnosis, a clinician will ask questions about your symptoms and the effect they have on your life. They may also conduct lab tests and a physical exam to help rule out other conditions. In order to be diagnosed with OCPD, a person must exhibit a persistent pattern of preoccupation with perfectionism, order, and control of the self, situations, and others. It must also be accompanied by at least four of the following symptoms described in the DSM-5-TR:
They may also look for additional signs of OCPD. These include the presence of rigid perfectionism and at least two more personality traits:
Your doctor may also check for any difficulty you have with empathy and intimacy. People who have OCPD often struggle to maintain interpersonal relationships, including romantic relationships. They may find it difficult to empathize with others and are sometimes described as cold or aloof. They also struggle with intimacy and find it difficult to show affection or express emotions. In order to be diagnosed with OCPD, these symptoms must create significant disruptions in a person's ability to function in important life areas including school, work, family, and other relationships. OCPD also bears a close resemblance to some other conditions such as OCD, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other personality disorders. OCPD may also co-occur alongside them. A doctor will need to rule out these other conditions before making a diagnosis of OCPD. It may take some time for a doctor or therapist to determine if you have OCPD. They may need to meet with you a few times to discuss and observe your symptoms. A doctor or therapist may also need to talk to loved ones to get a better picture of your daily behaviors and interactions before they make a diagnosis. RecapDiagnosing OCPD requires experiencing at least four symptoms listed in the DSM-5-TR. These symptoms must have begun during early adulthood and must interfere with the person's ability to function in daily life. OCPD vs. OCDWhile OCD and OCPD are distinct forms of mental illness with their own unique and specific characteristics, there is considerable overlap between them. There are, however, some basic ways to distinguish between them. OCD
OCPD
Presence of True Obsessions and/or CompulsionsOCD is defined by the presence of true obsessions (an irrational thought or idea that continually repeats) and/or compulsions (an irrational behavior performed repeatedly). These behaviors can occur together or on their own, and they interfere with a person's quality of life and ability to function. With OCPD, on the other hand, the personality traits are not directed by uncontrollable thoughts or irrational, repeated behaviors. While people with OCPD often engage in rigid behaviors that may be centered on following certain procedures, they don't have the same intrusive thoughts and overwhelming compulsions that people with OCD do. Feelings About Obsessive Behaviors or ThoughtsPeople with OCD often feel distressed by the nature of their behaviors or thoughts, even if they are unable to control them. People with OCPD, however, typically believe that their actions have an aim and purpose. Because of this, those with OCPD may also avoid seeking professional help. In some situations, the traits of OCPD can even translate to success—someone who is overly dedicated to their job and conscientious of every detail, for example, might see benefits at work, even if they are struggling in other areas of their life. Consistency of SymptomsThe symptoms of OCD tend to fluctuate in association with the underlying level of anxiety. People with OCD engage in behaviors as a way to deal with feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. This means that their symptoms may be less severe during times when they are experiencing less anxiety. Because OCPD is a personality disorder that's defined by inflexibility, the behaviors tend to be persistent and unchanging over the long term. These symptoms do not fluctuate depending on anxiety levels and are present in almost every area of the person's life. It is also possible for the two conditions to occur together at the same time. Research suggests that around 20% to 30% of people with OCPD may also have OCD. Around 52% of people with OCD have at least one co-morbid personality disorder. Causes of OCPDWe don't yet know what causes OCPD, although there are some theories that explain different possibilities. One theory deals with attachment styles and says that OCPD may develop in children who:
There may also be a biological component to OCPD, as having relatives with the condition might make you more likely to have it. Risk Factors for OCPDOCPD is one of the most common personality disorders. Men and women seem to experience it at about the same rate, though it's less common in younger adults. It can occur with several other conditions, like:
One study found that around 7.8% of adults will have OCPD at some point during their lifetime. Treatment for OCPDThough more research is needed in this area, most treatment plans for personality disorders begin with psychotherapy, while medication might be used as a complement. PsychotherapyTherapy options for OCPD can include:
MedicationYour doctor might recommend medication to help control some of your OCPD symptoms, especially if you're also experiencing another condition like depression. This might include medication to control your anxiety and/or antidepressants. Coping With OCPDThe condition can make relating to others much more difficult for a person with OCPD. Excessive perfectionism and an inability to delegate tasks can create a create deal of stress. Being rigid, having high expectations, and struggling to empathize with others can also affect interpersonal relationships. People with the condition may feel isolated and misunderstood as a result. In addition to seeking treatment, you can learn some coping strategies for OCPD. These could include:
RecapAn accurate diagnosis can help ensure you get the most appropriate treatment, which may include a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Coping strategies such as lowering your stress and learning more about your condition can also be helpful for managing your symptoms. A Word From VerywellIf you have traits of OCPD and you're looking for help, it's important to seek the care of a qualified mental health professional. You may not immediately recognize the detrimental impact of your behavior and how it's affecting different areas of your life. A mental health professional can determine whether or not you have OCPD and help you deal with the symptoms of the condition. What is an example of obsessiveSigns and symptoms of OCPD include:
Fixation with using lists, rules, and schedules to maintain order. Unwillingness to delegate work to someone who may take a different approach to the task. Devotion to work that leads to neglect of relationships. Hoarding money for future disasters.
Which of the following is a major characteristic of people with histrionic personality disorder?Specifically, people with histrionic personality disorder are typically characterized as flirtatious, seductive, charming, manipulative, impulsive, and lively.
What is an obsessive personality?Often referred to as “Pure O”, or “Purely Obsessional OCD”, obsessive personality types are marked by repeated, intrusive, and uncontrollable thoughts that usually have no outwardly related behavioral compulsions. Instead of having outward rituals, the person suffers from inward, mental rituals.
How is obsessiveAlthough there is no specific diagnostic test for OCPD, such as a blood test, a doctor can talk to a person about their life to gauge whether they may have OCPD. A doctor may also speak to close family members or loved ones about the person's day-to-day activities and interactions with others.
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